Jethro says Asperger's syndrome couldn't stop him from gaining a first class degree

A 22-year-old with Asperger's syndrome has graduated from university with a first class degree.

Jethro Robbins-Dyer, of North Lopham, said he has had a huge boost in confidence, making the years of struggling with the condition all worth it.

"University was quite a fun but strange experience," he said.

"I am so much more confident nowadays because of my time at university. Things were much more difficult when I was younger."

Jethro Robbins-Dyer with his family. Submitted picture. (3394716)

Mr Robbins-Dyer was officially diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at the age of 14, but parents Marie Dyer and Paul Robbins noticed it at a younger age.

"He was very good academically, but he found social situations awkward and difficult," said Mrs Dyer.

"There was a lot of bullying when he was younger. Jethro thinks logically and couldn't understand why they wouldn't leave him alone if they didn't like him.

"He's certainly not anti-social, but new social situations could be a problem."

Mrs Dyer said her son was bright from a young age, learning the alphabet and basic maths by 15-months-old. However, some things were harder for him to grasp.

"When he was young, if I told him to 'pull his socks up', he would literally do it," explained Mrs Dyer.

"He had to be taught to understand more intricate aspects of language.

"He also didn't simply accept things in an academic context, which could make things hard for his primary school teachers. If they told him something, he needed proof before he accepted it."

"At university, he has really developed and can now cope with these situations – he has lived independently for three whole years."

On Friday, Mr Robbins-Dyer graduated from the Confetti Institute at Nottingham Trent University with a first class honours in computer game design.

Over the three-year course, Mr Robbins-Dyer grew his passion for gaming and writing through game design, 3D modelling and story creation.

He said his degree success shows just what is possible when someone lives with Asperger's syndrome.

"In the end, I think it was better to have gone through everything I went through, rather than being protected from it, as I am now a much more confident person who is able to deal with things in the future," he added,

Mr Robbins-Dyer is hoping to secure a career in the gaming industry or as a writer.